John C. Kidwell, Jr. was a caring husband, father, grandfather “Nah-Nah” and friend. He left this world March 17, 2021, at age 74, after a sudden, short illness.
He was the son of the late John and Helen (Bennet) Kidwell, and step-son of the late C. E. James.
After graduating from Chattanooga City High School, he proudly served his country in Japan, Vietnam and Hawaii through the U.S. Navy. Once back home, he attended University of Chattanooga and followed his father by beginning his career at Independent Glass Company. He soon met his wife, Doris, and began a life as a devoted husband and father to her daughter. Kelly.
As he established his family, John became a true community servant. For many years he served on the board of Joseph Johnson Mental Health Center, he was a member and president of the Red Bank High School Athletic Booster Club and worked tirelessly to make sure that the Red Bank High School Football stadium was built. He also spent countless hours volunteering as the Red Bank High School Football announcer. John was an active member of Red Bank Baptist Church for 30 years and a current member of Stuart Heights Baptist Church. However, his life was not all work.
While serving his country, he learned to play golf and remained an avid golfer throughout his life. He won several local Club Championships over the years while making many dear friends on the links. One of his greatest joys was sharing this passion with his son-in-law and his grandsons. He was well-known for his humor, his love of Tennessee Vol athletics and his competitiveness in any board or card game. John’s encyclopedic knowledge of all things sports related astounded all those who knew him. His ability to see everything happening on a field of play and his eagerness to share that knowledge made seats next to him at sporting events in high demand. Football will never be the same without his calling of the game.
John is survived by his loving wife, Doris. His devoted daughter, Kelly Rimer and husband Jim, who also considered John to be a dear friend. The light of his life were his grandchildren: Kristen (Ashley) Terrette, Jackie (Joey) Burk, John (Hannah) Rimer, Anna-Carson (Graham) Uhelski, Eric (Logan) Rimer and many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his step brother, Tommy (Phyllis) James, step-sister, Carole Porter, cousins, nieces and nephews, and a loving work family at Independent Glass Company.
John lived a blessed life where he was able to work each day at a job that he loved with his two grandsons. He never complained and he was generous with all that he knew. He sought Christ every day and shared Christ’s love to every person he encountered. His life was a wonderful example to his family and those around him and they are all changed for the better because of him.
Visitation will be on Saturday, March 20, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at Stuart Heights Baptist Church, Hixson location.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Stuart Heights Baptist Church/Honduras Missions or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in his honor.
Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, www.lanefh.com, 423 877-3524.